Devils will sign prospect David Wohlberg to amateur tryout contract

Rick Osentoski/US PresswireThe Devils will sign draft pick David Wohlberg (25), who starred at the University of Michigan.

The Devils will sign center David Wohlberg (172nd pick overall in 2008) to an amateur tryout contract at Albany (AHL) with the intention of also signing him for next season.

Wohlberg, who is from South Lyon, Mich., and starred at the University of Michigan, is on his way to the minor league team and will be added to Albany's roster. By signing him to an amateur tryout, it will avoid the first season of his contract kicking in.

"We had him at the summer camp this year and he certainly has improved," general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "He had an outstanding freshman year and then had a serious (back) injury."

Wohlberg's college career ended Friday when Michigan lost in the NCAA tournament to Cornell. He had 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) in 40 games.

Teammate Jon Merrill, the Devils' first pick (38th overall) in the 2010 entry draft, has only completed his sophomore season at Michigan. It would be up to Merrill, a 6-3, 209-pound defenseman, to approach the Devils if he chose to leave school and turn pro.

"As far as we know he's staying in school, unless he tells us otherwise," Lamoriello said. "It's his decision."

Merrill had 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 19 games. His season started late because he was suspended for 22 games for an undisclosed violation of team rules.